Scripture Verse

The Father…the Son and…the Ho­ly Spi­rit. Matthew 28:20

Introduction

Words: From an 11th Cen­tu­ry ma­nu­script in the Brit­ish Mu­se­um (O Pa­ter sanc­te, mi­tis at­que pie). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Al­fred E. Al­ston, Some Li­tur­gi­cal Hymns, 1903. For an­oth­er trans­la­tion, see Fa­ther Most Ho­ly, Mer­ci­ful and Ten­der.

Music: Chris­te Sanc­to­rum French church tune, Pa­ris An­ti­phon­er, 1681 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Al­ston (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Father most holy, merciful, and loving,
Jesus, Re­deem­er, ever to be wor­shipped,
Life-giving Spi­rit, Com­fort­er most gracious,
God ev­er­last­ing.

Three in a wondrous unity unbroken,
One perfect God-head, love that ne­ver faileth,
Light of the angels, succor of the needy,
Hope of all living.

All Thy creation serveth its creator;
Thee every creature praiseth without ceasing;
We, too, would sing the psalms of true devotion;
Hear, we beseech Thee.

Lord God al­migh­ty, unto Thee be glo­ry,
One in three Persons, over all exalted;
Thine, as is meet, be honor, praise, and blessing,
Now and for­ev­er.